Africa needs collective action to transform its economies into interconnected engines of global competitiveness, Morocco’s Minister of Economic Integration, Younes Sekkouri, said on Tuesday in Rabat.
Speaking at the African Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SME) Forum 2024, Sekkouri called for a unified approach to Africa’s industrial growth.
“Africa’s development is tied to our ability to collaborate across borders and align our efforts toward a shared vision,” Sekkouri said. He mentioned the need for African businesses to seize the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and build a more integrated industrial framework capable of harnessing the continent’s vast resources.
For the minister, Africa’s pursuit of an interconnected economy must go hand in hand with a commitment to economic inclusion. “Inclusion is non-negotiable,” he asserted.
The minister drew attention to the state of SMEs and highlighted their contribution to the continent’s economy. “Small and medium-sized enterprises account for 60% of jobs in Africa and even more in Morocco, where they are responsible for 75% of employment. They provide decent work, which improves people’s living conditions.”
Echoing the minister’s remarks, the President of the Moroccan Employers’ Body (CGEM) Chakib Alj called for Africa to take a more active role in global value chains. “Africa must move from being a spectator to becoming a major actor in its destiny,” Alj said.
He noted Morocco’s progress over the last 25 years, positioning the country as a model and strategic hub for driving regional industrial cooperation.
A study conducted by the CGEM in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) provided the foundation for many of the forum’s discussions.
The research identified critical opportunities for complementarity among African value chains in sectors such as automotive, textiles, agri-food, electrical, and electronics industries.
The findings from the study pointed to significant untapped potential in aligning production systems, improving infrastructure, and harmonizing regulations to enhance intra-African trade, which remains far below its potential at just 15% of the continent’s total trade.
During his opening remarks, Sekkouri pointed out the importance of investing in infrastructure, trade policy, and human capital. He pointed out the need for targeted education and skills training to prepare the next generation of African workers for a rapidly evolving industrial landscape.
The forum, hosted by the CGEM, in collaboration with the Africa Investment Forum – Market Days, sought to provide concrete solutions for accelerating Africa’s industrialization.
Delegations from 20 African countries, public partners, and funding organizations participated.